All Chapters of THE COLD CURSED ALHPA’S HYBRID MATE: Chapter 41 - Chapter 47

LUCIAN'S POVDid he by chance know she was my mate?Before I could ask him, movement by the river caught my attention.The two girls, Kiara and Lina were approaching Aurora.Aurora said something to them, too soft for my shifter hearing to grab from this distance, then she handed Kiara the last washed cloth. I watched them lead her away from the river.Aurora’s steps were hesitant and uncertain. She looked around as if trying to understand why she was being dragged around.I didn’t like it.My beast didn’t like it either.My eyes followed them like a hawk until they reached the training yard, specifically the archery grounds.Kiara stopped Aurora at the marked line, then placed something, over her headMy eyes narrowed“What are they doing?” I narrowed my eyes.Kai leaned forward. “Probably being their usual chaotic selves.”He said but my frown only deepened, their Usual chaotic selves always involved trying to kill each other for fun so Kai's response didn't sit well with me At fi

AURORA'S pov I woke up to the soft chirps of birds.At first, the sound felt distant, as if it were far away, but as consciousness washed over me, it grew louder.A thin sliver of sunlight spilled through the window, stretching across my face like warm fingers. A faint smell of herbs drifted from somewhere in the corner, mixing with a strong masculine scent that I seemed to recognize. It clung stubbornly to the air.I shifted slightly, and the sheets rustled beneath me. A sudden tight sting in my leg reminded me of the previous day. The arrow. The pain. It all returned in an overwhelming rush.My breathing stilled.I blinked fully awake.My vision cleared and settled on the man sitting in front of me.His eyes were already on me, as though he’d been watching me for some time.Waiting.Monitoring.Guarding.The faint morning light traced the edge of his face, strong jawline, dark lashes, thick brows, it made him look both unreal and entirely too real at the same time.“Glad you’re a

AURORA'S POV The plants here were vibrant, almost unnatural during this time of the year. I wondered if perhaps, long ago, a nature wielder had tended this place.I inhaled deeply, when suddenly,A soft cry drifted through the garden, so faint I almost thought I imagined it.I paused mid-step, my brows pulled together as I listened. The sound came again, quieter this time, shaky and broken. Definitely not from an animal. It carried the unmistakable waver of a child holding back sobs.My stomach tightened.I turned toward the sound, moving slowly through the hedges and shadowed trees until it led me to a small figure curled at the base of a thick, old trunk. He looked so small in comparison, knees pulled to his chest, face buried in his arms.A little boy.His hair was dark and messy, sticking to his damp cheeks. His shoulders trembled with each quiet sniffle.My heart clenched. Something about the sight hit far too close to the core of me, pulling up memories I tried not to visit.I

AURORA'S POV Before I could ask what he was staring at, his hand came up. He took my chin in his grip, fingers cool and firm, and turned my face to the side.“For a hybrid,” he muttered, “you sure bruise easily.”His thumb brushed the light wound on my cheek and only then did I realize I must have bruised myself earlier I hadn't even realized.When his thumb grazed the bruise a second time, I sucked in a breath.I'd injured myself without even noticing.Of course, I had. Typical.He held my face for another heartbeat, studying the small mark as it offended him. Like the idea of me being hurt, even accidentally, disturbed him.Then he let go.×××Later, just as he’d said earlier, food and water were brought to the room. A tray so full it should’ve belonged in a feast, not just a single meal. I ignored any table etiquette and ate greedily, devouring everything until my stomach hummed with satisfaction.He had gone to the bath while I ate. I assumed he’d stay in the bathroom for anothe